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Viruses and Spy Ware

Spyware

Studies show that 8 out of 10 Internet-connected computers are infected with some form of spyware. Spyware or adware programs secretly track and record your online activity and can communicate these activities to other third parties such as advertising and marketing companies.

Spyware hides in the background, tracking and recording your activities. There are some common symptoms that may indicate that your computer is infected:

  • Your Web browser opens to the wrong page (not your home page), or your browser search settings have changed without your knowledge.
  • You are bombarded with pop-up ads that don't go away.
  • You notice a new toolbar in your browser that you didn't want, and find it difficult to remove.
  • Your computer takes longer than usual to complete certain tasks.
  • Your search results are redirected to other sites.


    • Viruses

    A computer virus passes from computer to computer like a biological virus passes from person to person. A computer virus must piggyback on top of some other program or document in order to launch. Once it is running, it can infect other programs or documents.

    People write computer viruses. A person has to write the code, test it to make sure it spreads properly and then release it. A person also designs the virus's attack phase, whether it's a silly message or the destruction of a hard drive.

    To protect your computer from viruses and spyware:

    • Limit the amout of files you download over the Internet. Spyware and viruses can be embedded in the file.
    • Only download files from reputable sites that have strict security regulations (a site will typically start with https:// instead of http:// if it is secure).
    • Do not open emails or any attachment when you don't know the sender.
    • Do not forward emails when you do not know the sender.
    Click here to learn more about how computer viruses work.